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Updated: May 9, 2026
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Assays for the Identification of Novel Antivirals against Bluetongue Virus
Published on: October 11, 2013
Bluetongue virus in Lebanon
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
|July 23, 2013
Summary
Bluetongue virus (BTV) is circulating in Lebanon, with over 53% of tested animals showing antibodies. Six BTV serotypes were identified, marking the first confirmation of BTV presence in the region.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bluetongue virus (BTV) incursions in the Mediterranean Basin since 2000 highlight the Middle East as a key entry point to Europe.
- Limited epidemiological data exists on BTV prevalence in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an epidemiological survey to determine the presence and circulation of Bluetongue virus (BTV) in Lebanon.
- To identify circulating BTV serotypes within the Lebanese animal population.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing using competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA) on 181 serum samples.
- Molecular detection using quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) on 110 blood samples.
- Confirmation and serotyping of BTV strains using serum-neutralization assay and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Antibodies to BTV were detected in 53.6% of tested animals (97/181), with higher prevalence in goats (67.9%) than sheep (42%).
- BTV RNA was detected in 12.7% of blood samples (14/110), with higher positivity in goats (18.2%) than sheep (9.1%).
- Six BTV serotypes (1, 4, 6, 8, 16, and 24) were confirmed to be circulating in Lebanon.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of Bluetongue virus (BTV) presence and circulation in Lebanon.
- The identified BTV serotypes pose a significant risk to livestock health in the region and warrant further epidemiological surveillance.
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